Stagecoach passengers get appy as smartphone ticketing technology goes live

Stagecoach passengers get appy as smartphone ticketing technology goes live

17 Nov 2016

Stagecoach North East has launched the second phase of its app with the mobile ticketing function now live for customers to purchase tickets, and staff were on hand across the North East to demonstrate the new technology to shoppers and commuters.

Stagecoach North East customers can now benefit from the convenience of using the Stagecoach Bus app to instantly buy and download day tickets to their smartphone.

Payments via the app can be made by PayPal, or via debit or credit card. The move provides an additional payment option for customers alongside existing smart ticketing and cash payments.

The Stagecoach Bus app was introduced earlier this year and is available free of charge for Apple and Android mobile phones, offering a number of journey planning tools for customers. However Stagecoach North East has now also launched mobile ticketing technology to make it even easier for customers to buy and use their bus tickets.

The app provides mobile ticketing and journey planning information on one app. It offers a simple journey planning tool which uses interactive maps, while the smartphone GPS system helps customers identify their nearest bus stop and the most suitable bus service for their journey requirements. Additional information including journey length and available fare options are also provided.

Passengers can access live running times via their smartphone to check the status of their journey with live tracking information before catching the bus.

In addition, the app enables customers to pinpoint their location during their journey, helping them determine where they are on the route at any one time, how far they are from their destination and when to get off the bus. This will be of particular benefit to those who are not regular bus users or people who may be visiting a new location and are unsure of the route the bus will take.

Stagecoach North East Managing Director, Steve Walker, said: “This is more good news for our customers. As well as existing payment methods, we’re now offering people the chance to download their bus ticket straight to their smartphone, using technology to deliver greater convenience for those travelling with us.

“We know that time is precious to everyone. Our app also gives our customers reliable and detailed information about their bus services to help them plan their time accordingly. We are continuing to invest in new ways to make travel easier for our customers as well as encouraging our politicians to take comprehensive action to tackle the growing issue of road congestion to allow buses to flourish for the many customers who rely on them every day.”

The Stagecoach Bus app is part of a major investment by the company in its digital strategy which is transforming the journey experience for customers.

This investment has included the launch of a new stagecoachbus.com website as well as the introduction of real-time technology on all Stagecoach buses. Stagecoach Group recently also announced plans to deliver contactless payments on all of its vehicles in the UK by the end of 2018.